Example of an equality policy

[INSERT THE ORGANISATION’S NAME] is committed

to encouraging equality and diversity among our
workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of

all sections of society and our customers, and for each
employee to feel respected and able to give their best.

The organisation - in providing goods and/or services

and/or facilities - is also committed against unlawful
discrimination of customers or the public

The policy’s purpose is to:

 provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our

employment, whether temporary, part-time or full-time

 not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act

2010 protected characteristics of age, disability, gender
reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy
and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and
ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex (gender)
and sexual orientation

 oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination.

This includes in pay and benefits, terms and conditions of
employment, dealing with grievances and discipline,
dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for
flexible working, and selection for employment,
promotion, training or other developmental opportunities

The organisation commits to:

 encourage equality and diversity in the workplace as they

are good practice and make business sense

 create a working environment free of bullying,

harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination,
promoting dignity and respect for all, and where
 individual differences and the contributions of all staff are
recognised and valued

This commitment includes training managers and all

other employees about their rights and responsibilities
under the equality policy. Responsibilities include staff
conducting themselves to help the organisation provide
equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying,
harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination

All staff should understand they, as well as their

employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying,
harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in
the course of their employment, against fellow
employees, customers, suppliers and the public

 take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment,

victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow
employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and
any others in the course of the organisation’s work
activities

Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the

organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures,
and any appropriate action will be taken. Particularly
serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct
and lead to dismissal without notice

Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an

employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as
in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment
under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which
is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates
to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence

 make opportunities for training, development and

progress available to all staff, who will be helped and
encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents
and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the
efficiency of the organisation
 decisions concerning staff being based on merit (apart
from in any necessary and limited exemptions and
exceptions allowed under the Equality Act)

 review employment practices and procedures when

necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and
the policy to take account of changes in the law

 monitor the make-up of the workforce regarding

information such as age, gender, ethnic background,
sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in
encouraging equality and diversity, and in meeting the
aims and commitments set out in the equality policy

Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality

policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in
practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and
taking action to address any issues

The equality policy is fully supported by senior

management and has been agreed with trade unions
and/or employee representatives [INSERT DETAILS AS
APPROPRIATE].

Details of the organisation’s grievance and disciplinary

policies and procedures can be found at [INSERT
DETAILS AS APPROPRIATE]. This includes with whom
an employee should raise a grievance – usually their line
manager.

Use of the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary

procedures does not affect an employee’s right to make a
claim to an employment tribunal within three months of
the alleged discrimination.

Note: This template is an example an employer can adapt

or develop to meet its needs. For more information, see
the Acas guide, Prevent discrimination: support equality.